THE achievements of the Tees Valley’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities are celebrated at an annual awards event later this month.

There is still a chance to nominate your local heroes in an event that recognises the wealth of achievement and talent across the BME communities in the Tees Valley.

Idrees Rashid, BME network partnership manager, said: “The awards are now in their sixth year and represent an important recognition of the contribution our diverse black, Asian and minority ethnic communities make to Middlesbrough and the whole Tees Valley.

“It’s an important opportunity to pay tribute to the tireless work of an array of talented and committed individuals – some well-known, some unsung - whose efforts make a real difference.”

This year’s awards culminate in a ceremony and dinner at Middlesbrough’s Thistle Hotel on Friday, September 26.

The event will feature an ethnic dinner and key speeches by leading local figures, with guests including Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald.

There will also be the presentation of the awards themselves, with categories including youth, community, business, housing and public sector, and awards for both individuals and organisations.

Presentations will also be made to a diversity champion and woman of the year, while a lifetime achievement award will recognise sustained commitment to and support for BME communities.

Nominations for this year’s Achievement Awards close on Friday, September 12.

For more information, visit bmeawards.co.uk or email info@bmeawards.co.uk

There are no awards for white people sorry. I think that if you treat one group of people differently you end up turning a blind eye to reports of bad things they do. Is this how the Rotherham abuse scandal was allowed to happen ?

There are no awards for white people sorry. I think that if you treat one group of people differently you end up turning a blind eye to reports of bad things they do. Is this how the Rotherham abuse scandal was allowed to happen ?Davy Crocket